Blogs and News

God created us for relationships…with him and with others. Lockdown/Shutdown is difficult for all of us and that includes our friends with disabilities. The digital world has made it easier for us to be together when keeping our distance is of importance. For now, we get together the best ways possible, but one day soon, we will all gather together with friends and family in person. Be sure to share some information from these four websites to help others know how different friendships and relationships help to enrich our lives!

Community inclusion is also an important component in the lives of people with and without disabilities. We have come a long way in making sure community interaction is improving for those with disabilities.

Knowing people both alike and different from ourselves is what helps us become more well-rounded individuals. When you surround yourself with different personalities, likes, and talents, you soon find it easy to create your circle of friends and acquaintances…helping you keep your circle tight and filled with those who inspire you, lift you up and encourage you to encourage others!

Healthy friendships play an important role as children grow into teens and strive for more independence. Friendships can teach important life skills such as learning to share, compromise, and set boundaries. Learning to make friends and when to end a friendship are life skills that can build as a child moves into adulthood where they may have relationships that are more intimate. http://tasccalberta.com/building-friendships-disability/

I was surprised when my niece Sophia told me that she had applied for a summer staff position at Landmark College, which she had attended for three weeks the summer between 11th and 12th grades. At the time, she, who at that time kneweverything, had grumbled about how unhelpful the program was, how she had not learned a thing, and that her favorite memories were trips to Brattleboro and the fresh produce and cucumber water available at almost every meal. So, I was happy to read her letter of application. She explained that her summer at Landmark was the first time she knowingly had friends with learning disabilities like hers. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/de-stressing-disability/201801/the-importance-friends-similar-disabilities

Friends play important roles in our lives. They can make us laugh, lift our spirits, and give us information or advice. People with physical disabilities may feel a special connection with friends who have the same disability. http://agerrtc.washington.edu/node/291

“Our son has almost no friends. He has no kids his age or otherwise to “hang out” with on a regular basis, to talk to, or to do things with socially. He is almost 16 and he spends most of his time with us, his parents, his 9-year-old sister, and his extended family. Everyone needs community! https://www.abilitycenter.org/essays/need-inclusive-communities/